Manchester, as per usual, has an incredible amount of theatre on offer in 2023 and the most popular three venues have some absolute bangers on the way.
To save you some digging, I’ve had a sneaky gander at the year ahead and picked out 10 shows I don’t think you should miss at Palace Theatre, Manchester Opera House and The Lowry.
PALACE THEATRE
1. Lemons Lemons Lemons
There is massive hype around this romantic comedy drama! It looks at how a couple deals with a new law, which commands that no one speak more than 140 words a day. Starring Aidan Turner and Jenna Coleman, I’m expecting real star quality in this play.
TUESDAY 21 MARCH – SATURDAY 25 MARCH
2. The Spongebob musical
Spongebob Squarepants is now a musical. I’m not kidding and I’m just as surprised as you. It’s embarking on its first ever UK tour with the likes of Gareth Gates and Divina De Campo in the cast. Dive down to Bikini Bottom for what looks to be a show that will make a splash.
TUESDAY 16 MAY – SATURDAY 20 MAY
3. Shrek the musical
Shrek the musical regularly tours the UK for good reason. It is an absolute riot of a show, which is perfect for the whole family. With incredible costumes, funky songs and silly jokes, it’s a firm favourite of mine. Join Shrek, Fiona and Donkey, as well as all their fairy-tale friends, in Manchester this summer.
TUESDAY 1 AUGUST – SATURDAY 12 AUGUST
4. Hamilton the musical
The biggest and best theatrical news to hit Manchester in a very long time. Hamilton will tour the UK for the first time opening at the Manchester Palace Theatre in November!! It broke the mould of musicals with its revolutionary retelling of a revolutionary moment in America and you NEED TO SEE IT.
SATURDAY 11 NOVEMBER – SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2024
Find out how to get priority access to hamilton tickets!
MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE
1. My Fair Lady
After a hugely popular West End run, this award-winning production of My Fair Lady is now on tour! With a soundtrack of much-loved classic songs such as I Could Have Danced All Night and Wouldn’t It Be Loverly, and lavish production design, this classic should be on your ‘to watch’ list.
WEDNESDAY 22 MARCH – SATURDAY 1 APRIL
2. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Escape to a world of pure imagination, in believe it or not, the FIRST EVER UK TOUR! Everybody’s favourite Roald Dahl story is brought to life in this scrummy musical. Get your golden ticket and indulge in a night that’s sure to be a spectacle.
TUESDAY 11 JULY – SUNDAY 30 JULY
BUY CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY TICKETS HERE
3. Heathers the musical
Heathers has become a cult hit musical inspired by the killer 1988 high school movie. It’s returning for another UK tour and making a stop in Manchester. With sharp humour and a catchy score, you might want to enrol in Westerberg High this year.
TUESDAY 8 AUGUST – SATURDAY 12 AUGUST
THE LOWRY
1. Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders is deeply linked to Manchester given the city became the filming location for a lot of the series. And now Rambert have devised a high energy and grungy dance show that will shine a whole new light onto this popular drama. Get ready for the redemption of Tommy Shelby.
TUESDAY 14 MARCH – SATURDAY 18 MARCH
BUY PEAKY BLINDERS TICKETS HERE
2. Ghost Story 2:22
Direct from London’s West End, this edge-of-your-seat, supernatural thriller is meant to be genuinely frightening. There’s something in their house, and they hear it every night at the same time. Are you brave enough to find out?
TUESDAY 31 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 4 NOVEMBER
3. Life of Pi
Huge news! Winner of every major play award, including 5 Oliviers, this is the theatrical event of the year not to be missed. Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger. Who will survive?
TUESDAY 5 DECEMBER – SUNDAY 7 JANUARY 2024
I hope you get out and enjoy some live theatre in Manchester this year, whether that’s shows from this list or the 100s of other options in our glorious city.